From Behind, Neurodegeneration Revealed
Emily Rorison
Mixed-media
This sculpture was inspired by a couple whose lives had been changed by dementia. The patient had first experienced a loss of balance which was shortly followed by memory loss spanning back to before the couple met. Their spouse, and now carer, dedicated much time to preserve memories the patient had lost; covering the room with photographs and talking through what happened on that day and who was in the images. I was moved by the unconditional love between the couple, and it was special to hear the story of how they met.
The forms and use of materials aims to capture the interwoven relationship between patient, disease, and carer – the relentless progression of the disease, represented by the unravelling brain, mirroring the anatomical progression of dementia as brain volume is seen to diminish.
The wire provides the structure, and the wool represents the vibrancy of the memories and personality built over a lifetime.
As the wool falls from the structure only the harsh wire remains.
The reel symbolises the carer processing and safeguarding memories in attempt to preserve them. It is movable, highlighting the dynamic nature of the process, but also suggesting that we who interact with the patient can help them and their loved ones with ways to process illness and the march of advancing symptoms.
This sculpture ultimately aims to capture even just a fragment of the love, care and resilience patients and their carers demonstrate as they navigate the immense challenge of degenerative disease together.
I found this piece to be very powerful as it provides a visible story of what happens to those with dementia/ neurodegeneration.
I really highlight how, as time goes on, what makes someone who they are is lost. Showing the significance of this and how the friend/ family of the patient desperately try to help the patient keep those important aspects. The use of wool wrapped around wire is really powerful as it shows a clear representation of what is happening and how who we are has a big impact on our lives. Unravelling of wool symbolising loss/unravelling of our normal.
This is an incredible piece capturing the multifaceted nature of dementia, particularly its clinical and social significance, all while being physical representation of neurodegeneration.
This piece of artwork is captivating in many ways. It highlights the degrading nature of dementia and shows how despite the wool falling away to expose the harsh metal underneath, some wool still remains, meaning some memories and aspects of the person are still present.
I found this piece deeply evocative and emotional – it captures the feelings of loss when a loved one has dementia, yet also the profound love and care the partner feels. This allowed me to reflect on the difficulties faced after a diagnosis between family and the importance of empathy as a doctor.
This is a truly marvellous artwork and the story behind it makes one’s heart weep.
Dementia is a horrible disease; I can only imagine what it would be like to care for someone who you love dearly and slowly watching them degenerate.